Organizer Description: The course was founded by Prof Austin Smith and Prof Clare Blackburn in 2004 and has run most years since then. The Summer School offers a unique training and networking environment for PhD students, post-docs and junior group leaders, secluded on a small island in Greece. Our tried and tested programme provides intensive theoretical training with emphasis on critical analysis of contemporary issues in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine plus sessions on ethics, public engagement, and entrepreneurship.

This course provides these opportunities by bringing together senior members of the stem cell community and presenting content in a rigorous, but open and interactive format. More than 1050 trainees have benefitted from the opportunity to spend a week in discussion with world leaders in the fields of basic and translational stem cell science. We believe that the Summer School makes a very important contribution to bringing together and training the next generation of scientists in our field. Indeed, several of our former trainees now lead independent research programmes in Institutes across Europe.

Previous ISSCR presidents including Christine Mummery and Melissa Little are regular speakers on our course.